The Batman: Arkham series, crafted by Rocksteady Studios, stands as a pinnacle in comic book gaming, rivaling even Insomniac's Spider-Man titles. These games masterfully combine fluid freeflow combat, stellar voice acting, and a vividly realized Gotham City to deliver a series of unforgettable action-adventure superhero experiences. With the recent addition of a new VR game to the Arkhamverse, now is a perfect time to delve into or revisit these iconic Batman games.

For newcomers or those looking to refresh their memory, here are two ways to experience the series: by chronological story order or by release order. Below, we outline both paths, including brief plot synopses with minimal spoilers to guide your journey through the Arkhamverse.

How Many Batman Arkham Games Are There?

The Batman Arkhamverse encompasses a total of 10 games. However, only eight of these are currently playable, as two mobile titles have been discontinued and removed from digital storefronts.

Which Batman Arkham Game Should You Play First?

Newcomers have the option to start with either the chronological story or the release order. If you choose the story's timeline, begin with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, though be aware it might spoil some elements of the earlier released games. For the release order, kick off with Batman: Arkham Asylum, which set the standard for the series.

Batman Arkham Collection (Standard Edition)

For those looking to dive into the core of the series, the Batman Arkham Collection includes the definitive versions of Rocksteady's Arkham trilogy along with all post-launch content.

Batman Arkham Games in Chronological Order

1. Batman: Arkham Origins

The narrative begins with 2013's Batman: Arkham Origins, set on a snowy Christmas Eve in Gotham. Here, a younger, less experienced Batman faces a $50 million bounty on his head, attracting Gotham's notorious villains like the Joker and Bane. The game ends with a nod to the reopening of Arkham Asylum, paving the way for future events. Notably, Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker voice Batman and the Joker, respectively, in this WB Montreal-developed title.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Wiki

2. Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate

Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate takes place three months after Origins. This 2.5D side-scroller, developed by Armature Studio, has Batman investigating an explosion at Blackgate Prison, confronting villains like Penguin and the Joker. Roger Craig Smith and Troy Baker reprise their roles.

Available on: PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, Nintendo DS, PS Vita, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate Wiki

3. Batman: Arkham Shadow

Batman: Arkham Shadow, the second VR game in the series, occurs between Origins/Blackgate and Asylum. Set on July 4th, it features a young Batman, voiced by Roger Craig Smith, battling a new villain, The Rat King. Developed by Camouflaj, it introduces familiar Gotham characters like Jim Gordon and Barbra Gordon.

Available on: Meta Quest 3 and 3S

4. Batman: Arkham Underworld

Batman: Arkham Underworld is a mobile game where players become Gotham's criminal mastermind, managing villains like Harley Quinn and The Riddler. Set before Arkham Asylum, it adds little to the main narrative and is no longer available for download, having been shut down in 2017.

Bonus: Batman: Assault on Arkham

Batman: Assault on Arkham is an animated film set two years before Arkham Asylum. It focuses on Batman's adversaries and their heist at Arkham Asylum. While not essential for the games' storyline, it enriches the Arkhamverse narrative and is available on HBO Max.

Available on: HBO Max

5. Batman: Arkham Asylum

Rocksteady's inaugural Arkham game, Batman: Arkham Asylum, introduces players to the Arkhamverse. Here, Batman, voiced by Kevin Conroy, battles the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill, and other villains within the confines of Arkham Asylum. The story, penned by Paul Dini, sets the stage for the series.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Asylum Wiki

6. Batman: Arkham City Lockdown

Batman: Arkham City Lockdown, a mobile fighter set between Asylum and City, features Batman tackling another prison escape. Developed by NeatherRealm, it's no longer available for purchase, but its plot is relatively inconsequential to the main storyline.

Available on: N/A | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Lockdown Wiki

7. Batman: Arkham City

In Batman: Arkham City, set a year and a half after Asylum, Batman navigates the lawless Arkham City, a section of Gotham walled off for criminals. He confronts Hugo Strange's plot and the Joker's deteriorating health due to the Titan serum. Again, Paul Dini pens the story.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham City Wiki

8. Batman: Arkham VR

Batman: Arkham VR, the series' first VR title, is set just before Arkham Knight. This narrative-driven game focuses on Batman's detective skills as he investigates a murder. Featuring Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill, it's a must-play for VR enthusiasts.

Available on: VR | IGN’s Batman: Arkham VR Wiki

9. Batman: Arkham Knight

The final installment in Rocksteady's trilogy, Batman: Arkham Knight, takes place on Halloween night, less than a year after City. Batman faces Scarecrow's fear toxin threat and the mysterious Arkham Knight. The game introduces a fully playable Batmobile and wraps up the trilogy's narrative.

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC | IGN’s Batman: Arkham Knight Wiki

10. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

Rocksteady's latest, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, shifts focus to Task Force X in Metropolis. Set five years after Arkham Knight, it continues the Arkhamverse story, promising to tie up many loose ends from previous games.

Available on: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC

Every IGN Batman Game Review

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How to Play the Batman Arkham Games By Release Date

• Batman: Arkham Asylum (2009)
• Batman: Arkham City (2011)
• Batman: Arkham City Lockdown (2011)
• Batman: Arkham Origins (2013)
• Batman: Arkham Origins Blackgate (2013)
• Batman: Assault on Arkham (2014)*
• Batman: Arkham Knight (2015)
• Batman: Arkham Underworld (2016)
• Batman: Arkham VR (2016)
• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (2024)
• Batman: Arkham Shadow (2024)

*Animated film

What's Next in the Arkham Series?

Following the release of Arkham Shadow last October, there are no confirmed Batman Arkham games in development. Fans are hopeful for Rocksteady's return to the series after a near-decade hiatus, especially with reports suggesting the studio is pitching new single-player projects.

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